High School

JV Plainsmen keep playoff hopes alive

Massimo De Luca-Taronno 5 minute read Wednesday, Oct. 8, 2025

Motivation isn’t very hard to come by when it’s a do-or-die game.

That mindset is exactly what the Crocus Plainsmen (3-2) carried into their matchup against the Sturgeon Heights Huskies (0-5), as their playoff hopes would have vanished right in front of their eyes with a loss. That possibility was quickly put to bed, though, as the Plainsmen practically ran the Huskies off the field with a dominant 40-6 win during Winnipeg High School Football League junior varsity action at Crocus on Wednesday.

“It’s a great team win for us,” said head coach Mason Kaluzniak post-game. “Anytime you get a win in this league, it’s a big deal, and I thought offensively we were good, defensively we were good, and our special teams were great. We just played really well in all three phases.”

The Plainsmen couldn’t have had a more picture-perfect start after running back Gage Emberly got things rolling with a 30-yard run into the house. Crocus followed that play up with a two-point conversion after quarterback Jake Cory handed it off to Emberly again to secure the extra points.

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Vikings hand Pirates first loss of JV season

Thomas Friesen 4 minute read Preview

Vikings hand Pirates first loss of JV season

Thomas Friesen 4 minute read Tuesday, Oct. 7, 2025

A slow, gritty junior varsity football game turned into pure pandemonium for 10 minutes at Doug Steeves Field on Friday.

Even though it was scoreless through more than 30 minutes, the Vincent Massey Vikings kept pressing and it eventually paid off to the tune of three late touchdowns in a 20-14 victory over the Grant Park Pirates.

The Vikings improved to 4-1 in the Winnipeg High School Football League nine-man JV season, handing the league-leading Pirates (4-1) their first loss. “It felt amazing playing against one of the best teams in Canada, and we were tied with them during the first half,” said receiver Asher Glover.

For the entire first half and most of the third quarter, the teams refused to give each other a thing. The craziest play of the first 24 minutes was when Dylan Schermann punted a ball off the side of his foot but recovered it and ran for a first down.

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Tuesday, Oct. 7, 2025

Lota Okaekwu rushed 15 times for 170 yards and a touchdown as the Vincent Massey Vikings beat the Grant Park Pirates 20-14 in Winnipeg High School Football League JV nine-man action at Doug Steeves Field on Tuesday. (Thomas Friesen/The Brandon Sun)

Lota Okaekwu rushed 15 times for 170 yards and a touchdown as the Vincent Massey Vikings beat the Grant Park Pirates 20-14 in Winnipeg High School Football League JV nine-man action at Doug Steeves Field on Tuesday. (Thomas Friesen/The Brandon Sun)

Neelin JV, Massey varsity girls sweep matches

2 minute read Preview

Neelin JV, Massey varsity girls sweep matches

2 minute read Tuesday, Oct. 7, 2025

Jayda Davidson posted nine kills as the Neelin Spartans swept the Vincent Massey Vikings 3-0 (25-20, 25-18, 26-24) in Brandon High School Volleyball League junior varsity girls’ action at Neelin on Tuesday.

Praise Samson added eight kills for the Spartans, with JJ Pinard recording six kills and three aces.

Both teams sit at 2-1 with matches against the Crocus Plainsmen (0-2) remaining. Neelin holds the head-to-head tiebreaker by leading 4-3 in sets won, and can clinch first place with a road victory over Crocus next Tuesday.

In the varsity girls’ match, Massey locked up first place, winning 3-0 (25-15, 25-17, 25-18).

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Tuesday, Oct. 7, 2025

Neelin Spartans Praise Samson passes the ball during JV girls’ volleyball action against Vincent Massey on Tuesday. (Thomas Friesen/The Brandon Sun)

Neelin Spartans Praise Samson passes the ball during JV girls’ volleyball action against Vincent Massey on Tuesday. (Thomas Friesen/The Brandon Sun)

Trojans trounce Vikings on gridiron

1 minute read Sunday, Oct. 5, 2025

Tobi Oluronsola rushed nine times for 91 yards as the Vincent Massey Vikings lost 48-7 to the Vincent Massey Trojans in Winnipeg High School Football League AAAA action on Saturday.

Charlie Gauthier had three carries for 26 yards and the Vikings’ lone touchdown while completing three passes for 20 yards and an interception. The Trojans improved to 5-0.

Wesley Burton recorded four tackles for the Vikings (2-3), who host the Oak Park Raiders (4-1) this Friday. The Crocus Plainsmen (1-4) visit the Dakota Lancers (4-1) on Friday.

» The Brandon Sun

Crocus blown out by Grant Park

Massimo De Luca-Taronno 6 minute read Preview

Crocus blown out by Grant Park

Massimo De Luca-Taronno 6 minute read Friday, Oct. 3, 2025

The Grant Park Pirates effort against the Crocus Plainsmen was nothing short of a beatdown, plain and simple.

The Pirates (3-2) scored at will against Crocus (1-4) en route to a 59-15 blowout in their Winnipeg High School Football League game at Crocus on Friday afternoon to extend the Plainsmens losing streak to four. It appeared Grant Park might run up the scoreboard early after the Pirates scored two touchdowns within the first two drives of the game thanks to quarterback Alex Balasko — who never showed any signs of slowing down — and the team’s stingy defence.

Balasko found wide receiver Ryder Hlady all alone for a 30-yard reception to take the Pirates deep into Crocus territory before running it in himself to draw first blood for his club. They pulled off an aggressive move to fake the kick and go for two points, which also paid off after finding a receiver by himself in the end zone to give Grant Park an 8-0 lead.

Crocus punt returner Eric Singfat had an impressive 70-yard run, moving all the way to the Pirates 20-yard line after breaking some tackles, but a flag on the play due to a holding penalty negated what would have been a huge point in the game for Crocus. The Plainsmen fumbled the ball the following play and gave up another touchdown after Grant Park recovered the ball for a 30-yard run to make it 15-0.

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Friday, Oct. 3, 2025

Muqtadir Apena (#1) of the Crocus Plainsmen tries to break through a group of Grant Park Pirates players during high school football action at CPRSS on Friday afternoon. (Tim Smith/The Brandon Sun)

Muqtadir Apena (#1) of the Crocus Plainsmen tries to break through a group of Grant Park Pirates players during high school football action at CPRSS on Friday afternoon. (Tim Smith/The Brandon Sun)

Okaekwu leads Massey to blowout win

1 minute read Wednesday, Oct. 1, 2025

Lota Okaekwu had six carries for 100 yards, including a 50-yard touchdown as the Vincent Massey Vikings trounced the Windsor Park Royals 48-8 in Winnipeg High School Football League junior varsity nine-man action in Winnipeg on Wednesday.

Aiden Clisby went 8-for-12 with 211 passing yards and three scores, two of them to Reece Duthie and the other to J.J. Kelleher.

Kade Nielsen led the Massey defence with a 56-yard interception return touchdown, as well as another pick and two forced fumbles.

Isaiah Guimond added a tackle.

Gasuliak, Vikings sweep Plainsmen 3-0

1 minute read Wednesday, Oct. 1, 2025

Valentyn Gasuliak made eight digs as the Vincent Massey Vikings swept the Crocus Plainsmen 3-0 in Brandon High School Volleyball League junior varsity boys’ action on Wednesday.

Cohen Folkerts posted three kills, three aces and three blocks for the Vikings.

Results from the varsity boys’ match were not available at deadline.

Today, the Vikings visit the Plainsmen in girls’ volleyball, with the JV teams squaring off at 6 p.m., and the varsity teams following at 7:30 p.m.

Top-ranked Viking girls set for Classic

Thomas Friesen 5 minute read Preview

Top-ranked Viking girls set for Classic

Thomas Friesen 5 minute read 1:31 AM CDT

Unfortunately for the rest of the province, the Vincent Massey Vikings are showing their run in 2024 wasn’t just because of one player and her solid senior class.

While they lost last year’s No. 1-ranked player in Manitoba in Jersey Hansen-Young, coach Kelly DeRoo’s squad has rinsed and repeated a winning formula.

Massey won Lord Selkirk’s Royal Rumble a few weeks ago and is ranked first in AAAA varsity girls’ volleyball heading into their home tournament, the Viking Classic, running today and Saturday.

“It’s been a lot of fun. Last year was a lot of fun with that group of girls, and this year, it’s just as good. It’s just going to get even better from here,” said senior setter Kaitlyn Couckuyt.

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1:31 AM CDT

Six-foot-one outside hitter Hannah McGregor is stepping up for the Vincent Massey Vikings as they look to defend their AAAA provincial varsity girls’ volleyball title. (Thomas Friesen/The Brandon Sun)

Six-foot-one outside hitter Hannah McGregor is stepping up for the Vincent Massey Vikings as they look to defend their AAAA provincial varsity girls’ volleyball title. (Thomas Friesen/The Brandon Sun)

Viking volleyball girls win Royal Rumble

1 minute read Sunday, Sep. 28, 2025

Zoe Redekop recorded nine kills as the Vincent Massey Vikings beat the Westwood Warriors 2-0 (25-22, 25-19) in the final of Lord Selkirk’s Royal Rumble varsity girls volleyball tournament on Saturday.

Hannah McGregor posted a team-high 11 kills in the final, with Hayden Wharf adding six.

Kaitlyn Couckuyt served five aces, while Reece Cowan made nine digs for the Vikings, who beat the Steinbach Sabres 2-0 (25-20, 25-16) in the semifinals.

The Neelin Spartans lost 2-0 (25-21, 25-21) to the St. Mary’s Flames in the ninth-place match.

Massey wins, Crocus loses in WHSFL

2 minute read Friday, Sep. 26, 2025

The Vincent Massey Vikings earned a big victory and the Crocus Plainsmen suffered a lopsided defeat in Winnipeg High School Football League action on Friday in Winnipeg.

The Vikings (2-2) earned a 32-3 victory over the Sturgeon Heights Huskies, with Logan Van Santen making four catches for 50 yards and a touchdown, Ethan Cullen rumbling three carries for 30 years and a touchdown and Tobilola Olorunsola also scoring on the ground.

Defensively, Corwyn McLean had an interception and four tackles, Caleb Edward had two sacks, seven tackles for a loss and 10 tackles overall and Kaleb McAuley broke up two passes and made eight tackles.

Massey hosts the Vincent Massey Trojans next Saturday at 1 p.m.

Spartans varsity boys sweep Plainsmen

1 minute read Wednesday, Sep. 24, 2025

Case Ashcroft piled up 15 kills as the Neelin Spartans swept the Crocus Plainsmen 3-0 (25-15, 25-11, 26-24) in Brandon High School Volleyball League varsity boys’ action at Crocus on Wednesday.

Lucas Gamache added 11 kills and four aces for Neelin (2-0), with Sam Rempel recording two kills and four blocks.

In the JV boys’ match, Crocus won 3-1 (25-17, 25-22, 16-15, 25-18). Stats were not available.

Next week, the Plainsmen visit the Vincent Massey Vikings on Oct. 1.

Spartan girls start season strong

Thomas Friesen 4 minute read Preview

Spartan girls start season strong

Thomas Friesen 4 minute read Tuesday, Sep. 23, 2025

Just about all of these Neelin Spartans know what it takes to achieve their ultimate goal.

And they have no reason to believe they can’t do it again this year.

The 2023 varsity and JV AAA provincial volleyball champions are off to a hot start this year.

“I feel like we’re capable of the same thing,” said Dana Linov, MVP of JV provincials two years ago. We’re a very similar team and we’ve all gotten so much better, too.

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Tuesday, Sep. 23, 2025

Neelin’s Layla Desjardin and Elli Pomehichuk attempt a block against the Crocus Plainsmen during Brandon High School Volleyball League varsity girls’ action at Neelin on Tuesday. (Thomas Friesen/The Brandon Sun)

Neelin’s Layla Desjardin and Elli Pomehichuk attempt a block against the Crocus Plainsmen during Brandon High School Volleyball League varsity girls’ action at Neelin on Tuesday. (Thomas Friesen/The Brandon Sun)

Ebb and Flow program perseveres through renovations

Thomas Friesen 5 minute read Preview

Ebb and Flow program perseveres through renovations

Thomas Friesen 5 minute read Tuesday, Sep. 23, 2025

The court is far from the Field of Dreams, but it’s a court that kept dreams alive.

When Ebb and Flow First Nation started a complete renovation of its school a couple of years ago, it left the Thunderbirds varsity teams without a home gymnasium to train and play in.

But coach Tyrone Desjarlais was determined to give his athletes the opportunity they’ve worked tirelessly for, so he took matters into his own hands — and his own property.

Desjarlais secured an old volleyball net from the school and pounded wooden posts into the ground, assembling a makeshift grass court to hold practices on in the community located 200 kilometres north of Brandon, due east of Ste. Rose.

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Tuesday, Sep. 23, 2025

The Ebb and Flow Thunderbirds bench celebrates during a varsity boys’ volleyball match at Henry Champ Gymnasium on Friday. (Thomas Friesen/The Brandon Sun)

The Ebb and Flow Thunderbirds bench celebrates during a varsity boys’ volleyball match at Henry Champ Gymnasium on Friday. (Thomas Friesen/The Brandon Sun)

Garden Valley wins BU volleyball tourney

By Thomas Friesen 3 minute read Preview

Garden Valley wins BU volleyball tourney

By Thomas Friesen 3 minute read Sunday, Sep. 21, 2025

The Garden Valley Zodiacs won their most important match of the weekend on Saturday afternoon.

Late that evening, they captured the Brandon University varsity boys’ volleyball tournament title with a 2-0 sweep of Saskatchewan’s Estevan Elecs at the Healthy Living Centre.

But the big one for the Winkler school was avenging some important losses to the Neelin Spartans in the quarterfinals.

“It was pretty nice. Neelin beat us both in basketball and in volleyball in (AAA) provincials in the final, so finally got the W over them, which was nice,” said tournament MVP Alfredo Enns.

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Sunday, Sep. 21, 2025

Garden Valley Zodiacs middle blocker Alfredo Enns was named MVP of the Brandon University varsity boys' volleyball tournament on Saturday. (Thomas Friesen/The Brandon Sun)

Garden Valley Zodiacs middle blocker Alfredo Enns was named MVP of the Brandon University varsity boys’ volleyball tournament on Saturday. (Thomas Friesen/The Brandon Sun)

Hutton, Birkhan lead electric Elton attack

Thomas Friesen 5 minute read Preview

Hutton, Birkhan lead electric Elton attack

Thomas Friesen 5 minute read Friday, Sep. 19, 2025

When Jack Hutton talks, the Elton Sabres listen.

Whether he’s congratulating his teammates or demanding more from them, the Grade 11 outside hitter wasted no time earning their complete respect.

“Jack brings so much energy onto the court and he brings a lot of authority in a good, uplifting, positive way. He really gets everyone going,” middle blocker Adair Birkhan said during the Brandon University varsity boys’ volleyball tournament on Friday.

“He gets everyone excited, hyped and really ready to play and making sure everyone’s doing their best. He holds everyone accountable for that.”

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Friday, Sep. 19, 2025

Elton Sabres captain Jack Hutton attacks a ball against the Garden Valley Zodiacs during the Brandon University varsity boys’ volleyball tournament at Henry Champ Gymnasium on Friday. (Thomas Friesen/The Brandon Sun)

Elton Sabres captain Jack Hutton attacks a ball against the Garden Valley Zodiacs during the Brandon University varsity boys’ volleyball tournament at Henry Champ Gymnasium on Friday. (Thomas Friesen/The Brandon Sun)

Oakden, Vikings claim gold medal

2 minute read Preview

Oakden, Vikings claim gold medal

2 minute read Friday, Sep. 19, 2025

Hunter Oakden shot an 8-under 64 to win the Manitoba High Schools Athletic Association boys’ provincial golf title at Oak Island Resort on Friday.

The Vincent Massey sophomore also gave his Vikings the eight-shot cushion they needed to claim the team title over St. Paul’s High School.

Massey’s Daylan Duncalfe shot 75, with Kale Jones carding 78 for a total of 1-over 217 while St. Paul’s finished at 225.

It’s the first Vikings golf banner since Hunter’s father, Dean, led the program to three consecutive championships from 1990 to 1992.

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Friday, Sep. 19, 2025

Hunter Oakden, from left, Daylan Duncalfe and Kale Jones of Vincent Massey won the MHSAA provincial boys’ golf title at Oak Island Resort on Friday. Submitted)

Hunter Oakden, from left, Daylan Duncalfe and Kale Jones of Vincent Massey won the MHSAA provincial boys’ golf title at Oak Island Resort on Friday. Submitted)

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